1 



THE DIVERSIFIED FARM 



In diversified farming by irrigation lies the salvation of agriculture 



KAFFIR CORN. 



BY -J. W. GREGORY. 



Those who have pinned their faith to 

 the idea that the Great Plains country 

 would be made habitable, have felt sure 

 that time and investigation would reveal 

 certain crops adapted to the conditions 

 there prevailing. Already the success of 

 alfalfa growing in the valleys and, under 

 irrigation, on the uplands, has gone a long 

 way towards solving the problem of util- 

 izing for homes these vast stretches of most 

 fertile soil. Hard wheat, too, has demon- 

 strated its profitableness to the persistent 

 sower, and sorghum will be a factor of no 

 small value; but it is doubtful whether any 

 other single crop, thus far tested, approaches 

 Kaffir corn in real value as an all-around, 

 every year reliable standby for the great 

 semi-arid areas of the country. 



Kaffir corn, like all the seed-head bear- 

 ing, drought-resisting grain and fodder 

 crops, is of African origin. Its seed is 

 borne at the top of the stalk like the seed 

 of the sorghums, but in an erect, long and 

 compact head. The leaves are very abun- 

 dant and long, and hold on well. The 

 grain matures before the fodder and may 

 be cut off before the fodder is harvested 

 a very decided advantage over Indian corn, 

 which must be cut before the grain is ready 

 for harvesting if the fodder is to be saved. 

 The grain is not only equal as a feed for 

 stock, pound for pound, to the best Indian 

 corn, but has proven so palatable and 

 wholesome for table use that several of the 

 Kansas mills have provided special ma- 

 chinery for grinding it into flour or meal, 

 and it is steadily growing in favor. 



The yield of seed was as high as sixty 

 bushels per acre, and will average about 

 the same as Indian corn. In addition to 

 the grain, a heavy growth of the finest 

 fodder is produced, which is greatly rel- 

 ished by stock. Even the stubble, left 

 from cutting in the ordinary manner, 

 will be eaten down to the ground, and the 

 largest stalks are eaten up clean. Horses, 

 cattle and sheep will eat it in preference 

 to the best hay, when tested as to choice. 



Few general field crops will better 

 repay thorough tillage and the applica- 



tion of plenty of water and, on the other 

 hand, no other crop yet tested will better 

 withstand drought and neglect. If moist- 

 ure is abundant, Kaffir corn thrives and 

 attends strictly to business. If the water- 

 supply gives out and brassy skies and warm 

 winds dry up and blow away Indian corn 

 and crops of similar habits, Kaffir corn sim- 

 ply takes a rest and waits patiently for the 

 next shower. 



In general terms, it may be briefly stated 

 that the preparation of the ground, the 

 methods and times of planting and culti- 

 vation may be the same as with Indian 

 corn. It is sensitive to frost, but not 

 more so than is its Indian cousin. To make 

 sure of a good full crop, a full aver- 

 age season of continued growth is re- 

 quired. If planting is too late, or culti- 

 vation deficient, or moisture lacking, 

 or early fall frosts intervene, there will be 

 more or less of a yield of roughness and 

 more or less grain ; but to be sure of a full 

 crop, the seed should be planted as early as 

 Indian corn would be and in ground as 

 carefully prepared, and cultivation and 

 moisture will be as well repaid. 



There are two varieties, the red and the 

 white. The red sort has proven greatly 

 superior to the other as a yielder, mak- 

 ing itself in about two weeks shorter time, 

 producing a larger average yield of seed, 

 a heavier growth of leaves to the stalk 

 and having a much greater tendency to 

 lift its seed-heads clear off the "boot " or 

 sheath. A large proportion of the heads 

 of the white Kaffir will have a zone of mil- 

 dewed grains at the base, because of not 

 coming clear of the sheath. 



In planting, the seed should not, perhaps, 

 be covered quite so deeply as Indian corn, 

 but the rows should be about the same 

 distance apart and the number of plants 

 to the row or hill should be substantially 

 the same as with the great staple. It may 

 be check- rowed, drilled, listed or sown 

 with results similar to those secured with 

 the Indian corn. 



The grain is sometimes harvested with 

 a header and the stalks cut later; but 

 there is danger of the heads heating and 

 spoiling the grain if piled or binned in 

 large masses before becoming thoroughly 



129 



